On June 30th 2021, the Welsh Government declared a nature emergency in what has been described as a landmark moment. The Senedd is one of the first parliaments in the world to declare such an emergency. 

We are currently facing a climate and nature emergency, with 17% of species in Wales at risk of extinction. But we can change this. By putting nature into recovery, we can tackle climate change. Thriving habitats can safely lock up vast amounts of carbon, while providing other vital benefits that help us adapt, such as flood prevention, clean water and improved health and wellbeing.

Delyth Jewell, Plaid Cymru member said:

“We now have an obligation to reset biodiversity targets and to back those up with investment, with plans for nature-based solutions, projects to centre on species recovery and changes that will prioritise healthy green and blue habitats across Wales.”

Rachel Sharp, Wildlife Trusts Wales Director met with Climate Change Minister, Julie James at Magor Marsh, a part of the Gwent Levels to discuss the exciting announcement.

The Minister said:

"Restoring nature and mitigating the impact of climate change are top priorities for this government. We have already demonstrated this by our decision not to go ahead with the M4 Relief Road, which would have meant developing on part of the Gwent Levels and we are continuing to look for further ways to protect this important landscape."

The Wildlife Trusts are calling for at least 30% of our land and sea to be connected and protected for nature’s recovery by 2030. Making more space for nature to become abundant once again will give our struggling wildlife the chance to recover and also restore beautiful wild places - places that store carbon and help to tackle the climate crisis.

30% is the bare minimum that nature needs to start recovering but we are far short of this and need your help to turn things around.

Labour member Mike Hedges said:

“The danger is a dystopian future, with the only mammals surviving being pets, farm animals and scavengers such as rats.”